Advertise on podcast: IASA Podcast

The IASA School for Advanced Leadership has earned a reputation as life-changing professional development for superintendents. In this episode of the IASA Podcast, Director of Communications Jason Nevel talks with ISAL facilitators Curt Nettles and Sandye Brown, ISAL VIII fellows Dr. Hank Thiele and Mary Vogt, and ISAL graduate and coach Dr. Lindsey Hall about why. They share how the 18-month cohort program helps superintendents build a district improvement plan and a personal leadership plan, what the one-on-one coaching looks like and why the relationships last long after graduation. ISAL IX begins Feb. 3, 2027. Applications are now being accepted at iasaedu.org.

With IASA's 62nd Annual Conference just around the corner, Dr. Dawn Bridges joins the podcast for a behind-the-scenes preview of what's in store September 30 through October 2 in Springfield. She unpacks this year's theme, "Founding Principles to Future Possibilities: America at 250 - Leading Education's Next Chapter," and shares what school leaders can expect from a keynote lineup that includes 2026 Illinois Superintendent of the Year Dr. Nick Polyak, ISBE Chief of Staff Dr. Kimako Patterson, and three superintendent keynotes — plus a hint at a mystery speaker joining the Second General Session. Dr. Bridges also walks through this year's Ignite lineup, the professional learning connections happening across the three days, and how IASA selects the breakout sessions attendees will experience.

In this episode of the IASA Podcast, we sit down with a Palos Heights School District 128 administrator to discuss the district's Screen-Free Summer initiative, a community-wide effort to get kids off devices and into enriching, hands-on experiences. From a family event drawing dozens of community partners to a summer challenge designed to keep the momentum going, Palos Heights offers a replicable model for districts looking to promote student wellness beyond the classroom — and a timely conversation as statewide cell phone legislation moves through Springfield.

Illinois school districts are facing rising utility costs, volatile energy markets, and a flood of vendor pitches — and it can be hard to know where to turn. In this episode, IASA Director of Communications Jason Nevel sits down with Andrew Bittner, Director of the Illinois Energy Consortium Powered by Future Green, to break down what's driving energy cost increases, how collective purchasing protects districts, and how the IEC's no-cost program helps cut through the noise and create a clear path forward.

IASA Associate Director of Professional Learning Dr. Dawn Bridges joins Franklin Covey consultant Dr. Candace Singh, Lake County Regional Superintendent Dr. Michael Karner, and South Cook ISC Executive Director Dr. Anthony Marinello to discuss Aligned to Lead — a 1.5-day summer workshop helping district leadership teams get focused and aligned before the school year starts. Sessions are July 20-21 in South Cook and July 23-24 in Lake County. Register at iasa.org.

Data is only useful if you know what to do with it. In this episode, we talk with Andrew Langlois, Data Strategist for DeKalb CUSD 428, and Susie Manikas, Senior Account Executive for SchoolData.net, about how one Illinois district is turning raw data into real decisions. Seven months into their implementation, Andrew shares what's changed — and what other superintendents should know before they start.

Every school district communicates with the families of current students — but what about everyone else? Retirees, young professionals, and longtime residents all have a stake in local education, even if they don't have kids in your buildings. In this episode, Craig Williams, founder of IASA Corporate Partner Journey 12, joins superintendents Dr. Jennifer Garrison of Vandalia CUSD #203 and Sherri Smith of Forrestville Valley CUSD #221 to discuss how a strategic storytelling partner can help districts reach their whole community — through print, video, podcasts, and more. If you've ever wondered how to build trust beyond your existing parent base, this episode is for you.

Superintendents Dr. Kristin Humphries of East Moline SchoolDistrict #37, Dr. Jay Morrow of United Township HSD #30, and Dr. Michael Ruff of Colona School District #190 joined the IASA Podcast to share how their districts partnered to build the Common Ground Wi-Fi network — a community-widemesh network covering 40 square miles in the Quad Cities region that provides internet access to all.

Argonne National Laboratory is inviting Illinois educators to the AI Education STME jam event on March 2 in Lemont. In this episode, learn what inspired Argonne to host the event, why the scientific community wants to partner with educators and what's on the agenda.

In this episode, Dr. Daryl Hogue discusses his innovative approach to college and career readiness at Riverbend CUSD #2. From a highly successful work study program to student-run businesses and paid construction internships, Dr. Hogue shares how rural districts can partner with employers to create meaningful opportunities for students.

In this episode, Emily Warnecke, IASA Chief of Staff, breaks down how EBF and mandated categoricals work together, why the gap in state reimbursements is creating real pressure on local budgets, and what superintendents can do to advocate effectively during this year's budget season. We'll also walk through the tools and resources IASA has created in the Driving Success campaign to support your advocacy efforts with legislators and community stakeholders.

In this episode, we dive deep into why district leaders need to cultivate a future-focused school system and explore how IASA's upcoming workshop series, Leading a Future-Focused School System Through AI, can set superintendents up for success. Registration is open on the IASA website.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Nathan Schilling, superintendent of Lansing SD #158. Dr. Schilling is the co-author of a new research paper in the Journal of Educational Administration titled, "Superintendent Resilience: A Qualitative Exploration of Resilience Leadership Skills."

In this episode, IASA speaks to Dr. Nick Polyak, the 2026 Illinois Superintendent of the Year, about successes during his 17-year tenure at Leyden CHSD #212. At the end of the podcast, we talk about the Aspiring Superintendent Academy and advice he has for new district leaders.

As part of the Illinois Vision 2030 School Safety Initiative, IASA has partnered with the Illinois Fire Service (IFSI) Institute to raise awareness of free, comprehensive crisis response and reunification training available to school districts across Illinois. In this episode, hear from JP Moore, Deputy Director of the Illinois Fire Service Institute; Mary Vogt, Superintendent of Bement CUSD #5 and Dr. Dawn Bridges about what this training consists of, why it is important and the benefit it can have with your community and staff.